Accurate layout is an essential basic component of woodworking. Marking accurately 90 degrees is essential in marking out any type of joinery and dressing timber (making it square on all four surfaces). A few weeks ago I received a long awaited hand made try square from Chris Vesper.
Chris uses brass, stainless steel, and speciality timbers to produce try squares and sliding bevels. Avaliblity flucuates as they are made in limited production runs throughout the year. His try squares are av...

What is Epoxy?The all knowing all seeing Wikipedia ’Epoxy is a copolymer; that is, it is formed from two different chemicals. These are referred to as the “resin” and the “hardener”.
The resin consists of monomers or short chain polymers with an epoxide group at either end. Most common epoxy resins are produced from a reaction between epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A, though the latter may be replaced by similar chemicals. The hardener consists of polyamine mon...

Today I got to test out my new Veritas Small Plow Plane. It’s an unusual looking plane that is designed to form grooves (primarily rabbets parallel to the grain). I used it today to form a 3/8” wide by 5/16” deep rabbet to receive the base panel on the wax melter project. At this it was quick, easy and efficient. Compared with a electric router it was nearly silent, was faster to set up, and produced as good a finish without the dangers (to self and timber) of using a router...

I’ve upgraded from the Carbatec 1HP FM 320 to the Carbatec 2HP CT-2042 1PH.
This machine offers 1500cfm and is fitted with an optional 3 micron pleated cartridge. It has a 6” inlet reduced to two 4” inlets. It’s noise level is acceptable. I have tested it out jointing a few boards not only did it collect the chips very well you could also see the dust from 2” away from the jointer blades getting sucked back in.
I believe it offers great value for money.

Earlier this year I purchased a Makita 4351FCT Jigsaw from Sydney Tools. Official Stats: Length of Stroke 26mm, Max. Cutting Capacity 135mm (wood) & 10mm (steel), Angle cutting -45-45. Continuous Rating Input 720W, Strokes per Minute 800-2,800, and Weight 2.4kg.
I needed a tool to make some curved cuts and also rough cuts in a safer manner than using a circular saw on a non-flat slabs. A bow-saw is romantic but I’d have to build it, and I was in a hurry. A bandsaw would be great,...